Center for Coastal Studies
The Center for Coastal Studies is a 50-year-old Provincetown, MA-based non-profit marine research organization delivering federally authorized whale disentanglement, long-term whale population studies, water-quality monitoring, seafloor mapping, and marine education programs serving government agencies, fishermen, families, and individual donors.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1976
- HeadquartersProvincetown, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Center for Coastal Studies does
The Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit marine research organization founded in 1976 in Provincetown, Massachusetts, by Drs. Graham Giese, Charles "Stormy" Mayo, and Barbara Shuler Mayo. From a field research operation in Cape Cod Bay, CCS has grown into a 40-staff scientific institution working alongside 60 adjunct scientists, interns and volunteers, supported by a 12,000 square foot state-certified laboratory facility. The organization operates fifteen-plus program lines spanning marine mammal research (Humpback Whale Studies, Right Whale Ecology, Seal Research, Shark Ecology, Marine Animal Entanglement Response), ecosystem monitoring (Water Quality Monitoring, Marine Fisheries Research, Benthic Ecology, Marine Debris and Plastics), marine geology and seafloor mapping, marine education, and the international SeagrassNet monitoring network spanning 30+ countries. Its underlying technology portfolio includes Edgetech phase-measuring sidescan sonar with 1-meter bathymetric resolution, satellite and VHF tag beacons, dense acoustic receiver arrays for shark tracking, continuous water quality monitoring stations, and a Davis Instruments weather station sharing real-time data via WeatherLink.
CCS generates revenue through a diversified non-profit model spanning membership tier subscriptions ($50–$5,000 across seven levels), one-time and recurring donations, government and foundation grants (NOAA, NMFS, Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, Massachusetts Environmental Trust, Massachusetts Water Resources Authority), educational program fees (Whale Camp for Kids at $300, Sunset Whale Watches at $100–$125), signature fundraising events (Homeport Gala raised $200K+ in 2025), corporate sponsorships across six tiers ($250–$10,000), and merchandise sales through a Square-powered online store. The organization is federally authorized under NOAA permit number 18786 to perform large whale disentanglement operations. CCS sold the public phase of a $10 million 50th-anniversary endowment campaign in 2026 after reaching $8.2M, and assumed leadership of SeagrassNet in 2025. Primary beneficiaries include federal and state marine management agencies, commercial fishermen seeking gear-modification science, families and schoolchildren served through SEA Space and Whale Camp, and individual donors/members supporting Gulf of Maine conservation.
Center for Coastal Studies firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Center for Coastal Studies
- Legal name
- Center for Coastal Studies
- Website
- https://coastalstudies.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1976
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Center for Coastal Studies is a 50-year-old Provincetown, MA-based non-profit marine research organization delivering federally authorized whale disentanglement, long-term whale population studies, water-quality monitoring, seafloor mapping, and marine education programs serving government agencies, fishermen, families, and individual donors.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Center for Coastal Studies industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Marine Research and Conservation Services
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Marine Conservation & Citizen-Science Experiences (reef monitoring, turtle walks) (THAAAIAH), Coastal & Marine Resources Administration (Oceans, Fisheries, Shorelines) (BPAIAMAI), Marine Wildlife & Birding Cruises (dolphins, seals, seabirds) (THAAAIAD), Marine & Coastal Remediation (Shoreline/Port Spill Cleanup) (IMAIAGAI)
Keywords
Where Center for Coastal Studies is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Provincetown
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Center for Coastal Studies business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Operations
Revenue model
- Membership Dues: Annual membership program with multiple tiers from Individual ($50) to Benefactor ($5,000), providing recurring revenue and member benefits including whale watch discounts.
- Donations and Contributions: One-time and recurring donations from individuals, with major endowment campaign targeting $10 million for long-term financial stability.
- Educational Programs: Fee-based programs including Whale Camp for Kids ($300), Sunset Whale Watches ($100-125), and public education events.
- Special Events and Galas: Annual fundraising events including Homeport Gala (raised over $200,000 in 2025) and Coast to Coast bike fundraiser.
- Government and Foundation Grants: Funding from National Marine Fisheries Service, Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, Massachusetts Environmental Trust, NOAA, and private foundations.
- Merchandise Sales: Online store selling CCS branded merchandise with proceeds supporting operations.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Individual Membership - $50/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Dual Membership - $75/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Family Membership - $125/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Associate Membership - $250/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Partner Membership - $500/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Leadership Circle - $1,000/year |
| Subscription | Annual | Benefactor - $5,000/year |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Whale Camp for Kids - $300 |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Sunset Whale Watch - $100-125 |
| Other | Annual | Sponsorship Tiers |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
Center for Coastal Studies product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Center for Coastal Studies conducts independent field-based marine research, operates a 24/7 Marine Animal Entanglement Response (MAER) program for entangled whales and sea turtles, and delivers marine science education through programs like the SEA Space Marine Discovery Center, Whale Camp for Kids, and public outreach events. Founded in 1976 and based in Provincetown, Massachusetts, CCS combines long-term whale population studies, coastal geology, water quality monitoring, fisheries research, and conservation advocacy.
Product overview
The Center for Coastal Studies operates as a research, rescue, and education organization offering multiple interconnected programs rather than a single unified product. The portfolio includes core research programs focused on marine mammals (humpback whale studies, right whale ecology, marine animal entanglement response), marine ecosystems (seal research, shark ecology, water quality monitoring, marine fisheries), coastal geology, and marine debris/plastics. Educational offerings include the SEA Space Marine Discovery Center, Whale Camp for Kids, and various public programs. The organization also leads SeagrassNet, an international seagrass monitoring network. Research infrastructure includes a weather station and specialized monitoring equipment.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- MAER (Marine Animal Entanglement Response): Emergency, field-based conservation effort with staff on call 24/7 to rescue and document whales and sea turtles entangled in fishing gear
- SEA Space Marine Discovery Center
- Marine Fisheries Research Program
- Right Whale Emergency Initiative
Products and services
- Humpback Whale Studies Program
- Right Whale Ecology Program
Quantifiable outcome
- Over 200 large whales disentangled since 1984
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Center for Coastal Studies
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Center for Coastal Studies technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Center for Coastal Studies partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)coreCollaboration since 2016 for seal research including scat collection and aerial survey work across southeastern Massachusetts seal haul-outs.
- National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)coreFederal authorization for large whale disentanglement operations. NMFS provides grants supporting the Marine Animal Entanglement Response program. CCS operates under Scientific Research and Enhancement Permit Number 18786.
- Massachusetts Division of Marine FisheriescoreState agency providing grants and authorization support for MAER program operations and fisheries research collaboration.
- Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET)coreState grant program funding Humpback Whale Studies, Right Whale Ecology, Marine Animal Entanglement Response, and Water Quality Monitoring programs through Environmental License Plate program.
- Dolphin FleetcoreCCS partner for whale watching operations, providing Sunset Whale Watch venues and offering member discount tickets for regular whale watch trips.
- Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC)coreFederal research partner for seal studies collaborating on aerial surveys and population monitoring in southeastern Massachusetts.
- Louisiana State University (LSU)minorAcademic collaboration for seal diet DNA analysis and prey identification research using collected scat samples.
- University of Massachusetts (SMAST)minorMarine Fisheries Research Program director Owen Nichols is Ph.D. candidate at School for Marine Science and Technology.
- NOAA FisheriescoreNOAA Fisheries authorized CCS for disentanglement operations and jointly monitors North Atlantic right whale populations through aerial surveys and documentation.
- Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine SanctuaryminorOngoing partnership sending responders to assist with disentanglement operations in Massachusetts waters.
- Woods Hole Oceanographic InstitutionminorNOAA partner receiving $8.6M for passive acoustic monitoring equipment in North Atlantic right whale monitoring program.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Center for Coastal Studies competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Sea Education Association: Woods Hole-based ocean education and research non-profit. Directly comparable in marine education focus, tuition-based programs, and Cape Cod regional footprint, with similar scale.
- New England Aquarium: Boston-based marine conservation and education non-profit. Directly comparable as a regional marine education institution with similar public engagement programs, animal rescue operations, and Northeast U.S. donor base, though at a larger scale.
- Whale and Dolphin Conservation: International non-profit dedicated to whale and dolphin protection. Directly comparable in marine mammal conservation mission, research funding model, and advocacy orientation.
- International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW): Global animal welfare and conservation organization. CCS's existing partner (collaboration since 2016 on seal research); highly comparable in mission, donor-driven funding model, and marine mammal focus.
- National Marine Sanctuary Foundation: Non-profit supporting the National Marine Sanctuary system, including Stellwagen Bank which CCS helped nominate. Directly comparable as a marine conservation non-profit with education, research, and policy functions.
Broad incumbents
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: Premier marine research institution located in nearby Woods Hole, MA. Operates broadly in the same Cape Cod marine science ecosystem with much larger scale and federal grant capture; CCS partners with WHOI collaborators but competes for talent and funding.
- Marine Biological Laboratory: Major marine research institution affiliated with University of Chicago in Woods Hole, MA. Operates in the same Cape Cod marine research ecosystem as CCS, with significantly larger infrastructure and broader scientific mandate.
- Ocean Conservancy: Large national ocean conservation non-profit. Operates broadly across marine conservation, policy, and science; CCS operates as a more focused regional specialist within the same broader ecosystem.
Regional players
- Pacific Marine Mammal Center: California-based marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation, and education center. Similar operational model to CCS's MAER program and education mission, but serves the West Coast geography.
- Cape Cod Museum of Natural History: Brewster, MA-based regional natural history museum with marine education focus. Comparable in Cape Cod regional footprint and educational programming model, though broader in taxonomic scope.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Center for Coastal Studies social profiles
Digital presenceCenter for Coastal Studies financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Center for Coastal Studies leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles28 records
Center for Coastal Studies funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Center for Coastal Studies M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Center for Coastal Studies
What does Center for Coastal Studies do?
The Center for Coastal Studies conducts independent field-based marine research, operates a 24/7 Marine Animal Entanglement Response (MAER) program for entangled whales and sea turtles, and delivers marine science education through programs like the SEA Space Marine Discovery Center, Whale Camp for Kids, and public outreach events. Founded in 1976 and based in Provincetown, Massachusetts, CCS combines long-term whale population studies, coastal geology, water quality monitoring, fisheries research, and conservation advocacy.
Is Center for Coastal Studies a public or private company?
Center for Coastal Studies is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Center for Coastal Studies founded?
Center for Coastal Studies was founded in 1976. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Center for Coastal Studies based?
Center for Coastal Studies is headquartered in Provincetown, United States, in the North America region.
How does Center for Coastal Studies make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Membership Dues are the primary driver. The others are donations and Contributions, educational Programs, special Events and Galas, government and Foundation Grants and merchandise Sales.
Who are Center for Coastal Studies's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Sea Education Association, New England Aquarium, Whale and Dolphin Conservation, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. Broad incumbents are Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Marine Biological Laboratory and Ocean Conservancy. Regional players are Pacific Marine Mammal Center and Cape Cod Museum of Natural History.
Does Center for Coastal Studies have an API?
No public API is recorded for Center for Coastal Studies.
What industry is Center for Coastal Studies in?
Center for Coastal Studies's product category is Marine Research and Conservation Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAGAE, Marine & Freshwater Conservation, with a secondary code of THAAAIAH, Marine Conservation & Citizen-Science Experiences (reef monitoring, turtle walks). Its SIC code is 8200.